Pipelines, separation talk at Alberta NDP Calgary Stampede breakfast

With all the festivities happening at Stampede Park, including community events and pancake breakfasts, are the big topics of late in Alberta on the minds of Calgarians?

The Alberta NDP hosted a Stampede breakfast at the Haysboro Community Association, and there’s no shortage of discussion this year.

Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi says the Stampede is a time to gather, no matter the circumstances.

“For me, this is just an amazing moment that reminds us that getting together in a parking lot or a park with your neighbours and sharing some food is what community is all about,” he told CityNews.

One of the big topics is Alberta’s proposed new pipeline to the West Coast. Nenshi says the southern alignment is a good one, but has some qualms about consultation.

“We’re still missing Indigenous participation and real Indigenous buy-in. Remember now the Premier has had a vote of non-confidence from all Indigenous people in Alberta — first time in Canadian history that’s happened,” he said.

“So there’s a long, long way to go still and there’s been a lot of wasted time, effort and money, but I’m hopeful that we’ll get there.”

It wasn’t just pipelines. Other issues were being discussed at the community gathering.

“Things that we’re concerned with are healthcare and education. Obviously, there’s lots going on with that, but also, I guess this year that’s new is the Alberta separation movement,” said Claire Robert, a resident in the area.

“I mean it seems to be a small but loud fringe group because I don’t know a single person that would support that.”

The separation question and the looming referendum are also being talked about at another table.

“We’re pretty true Albertans here, and it’s not even in our vocabulary, ‘separation,’ you know? We stick together, us Albertans,” said Michael Mahony.

Sitting next to Mahony, Bruce Miller says, “I’d agree.”

“There’s a fair amount of street talk on separation versus staying federated. But the strong impetus is to stay as a country, so no separation,” he said.

Nenshi says that while movement on a new pipeline may appease some, the separation debate should not have led to a decision for a provincewide vote.

“This is the Premier’s strategy – she thinks, ‘Oh, if I can get a pipeline, people will vote for Canada.’ Here’s the best way to defeat separatism: not have a referendum. Not spend three years pandering to the separatists and empowering them,” he said.

With the referendum now just over three months away, this conversation is sure to continue.